In October 2004 the multi million pound redevelopment scheme for the St James's area - known as the Dover Town Investment Zone (or DTIZ) were revealed for public consultation. It is hoped that the development will provide an additional 500 jobs for the town.
At the moment, the site contains a multi-storey car park, which is closed, and the Burlington House office block, together with the Russell Street car park and adjoining buildings. Bond City Ltd. (Dover District Council’s development partner for the site) proposes to develop a “new comprehensive mixed-use scheme” comprising an anchor superstore (ASDA), smaller shops, restaurants, a 100-bedroom hotel, private residential flats, a visitor centre and a 460-space shoppers car park.
The council decided that it was not possible, on financial and viability grounds, to include any leisure facilities. This does seem a missed opportunity as the town desperately needs something more in the way of leisure facilities than pubs, a sports centre a tiny cinema and a couple of amusement arcades. However, the council does say it is formulating a sport and leisure strategy which will include looking at the provision of leisure facilities across the town as a whole.
For more information visit the Dover District Council website.
Update March 2010: Apart from the demolition of the old East Kent bus garage, work has not yet commenced on this project!
Update October 2012: Still no development!